Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play to open in London 2016

JK Rowling is ready to share the “untold part” of Harry Potter’s story in a new stage play in London next year.

First announced in 2013, the production will receive its world premiere in summer 2016 at the Palace Theatre in the West End. It is called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and will not be a prequel as originally rumoured.

“I’m very excited to confirm today that a new play called Harry Potter and the #CursedChild will be opening in London next year,” the author wrote on Twitter.

“It will tell a new story, which is the result of a collaboration between writer Jack Thorne, director John Tiffany and myself. It has been a huge pleasure to share with them (and soon, with you!) this untold part of Harry’s story. I don’t want to say too much more, because I don’t want to spoil what I know will be a real treat for fans. However, I can say that it is not a prequel!”

Rowling, who also insisted that the stage show won’t be a musical, continued: “To answer one inevitable (and reasonable!) question – why isn’t #CursedChild a new novel? I am confident that when audiences see the play they will agree that it was the only proper medium for the story.”

The play will have music by Imogen Heap and special effects by Jeremy Chernick. It has movement by Steven Hoggett, set designs by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Gareth Fry. Tickets will go on sale this autumn, with full details to be announced on the official website later this month.

Rowling has previously been busy writing the script for Potter spinoff film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The new movie series will star Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston. The author also recently revealed a new backstory about Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon on her Pottermore site.

While we’re sure that the new Potter play is set to please, here’s our current favourite: